Castellar
de la Frontera
Castillo de Castellar

This
is a half-day trip, definitely best in the morning, with lunch on your
way back. The last bit of the drive, when you turn off the A.369 to
head for the Castillo de Castellar, is spectacular with lovely views
down over the reservoir, unusual rock formations, and the castle standing
sentinel on the hilltop in front of you. Try and choose a day with light
winds otherwise you almost get blown away. If you are there around 11.30
– 12.00 you should be able to park right at the top. The Tourist
Bureau (if open!) is right in front of you.

From
Tarifa take the N.340/E.15 via Algeciras in the direction of Malaga.
Take the exit marked Jimena de la Frontera/Ronda A.369. Just after you
pass the railway station of San Roque on your left, you cross a level
crossing. As from here -Km.89- until the board Km.85 you will see a
stork’s nest on top of every pylon on your right and much of the
year you will see the storks sitting on top. In April you will see the
heads of the babies peeping over the top. I am told they come back every
year to the same nest.

---
Castillo de Castellar---

Castellar is an unusual village in that it is built within the castle
walls. The castle (12th – 15th century) is at present (2005) in
the throes of restoration and will eventually become a Parador-Hotel
– yet another one in a magnificent location (a Parador is a state-owned
hotel, usually in a unique position, often a converted castle). There
are narrow, winding streets between the freshly painted white houses
and flowers are everywhere. It is charming. There are a few spots where
you can look down from the walls over the reservoir and into the far,
green distance. On the other side you have a splendid view right to
Gibraltar. The inhabitants are a combination of (a few) locals, quite
a lot of holiday-home owners, and a considerable number of ageing hippies
who have little shops selling curiosa, carvings etc.

---
Castillo de Castellar---

On returning via the A.369
at Kms.77 you have Bar Alfonso on your right for a simple Spanish lunch;
this is very busy at weekends and there is a system whereby you take
a number in order to get your turn for a table/to order. I would suggest,
however, that you stop here for a drink only, and go straight on to
Molino del Condé at Km.82 and have lunch there. In the weekend
it is necessary to book: tel. 956 236 063 The menu is interesting, food
good, environment could do with a face-lift (October 2005).

---
Castillo de Castellar---

If
you only want a small beer (caña) and a tapa, go on a little
further and at about Kms. 84 you have cross roads with fairly large
tapa bars on either side of the road. I enjoy the one on the left, which
has very good tapas, both those on show, or warm tapas (tapa caliente)
should you prefer. It is then an easy drive back to Tarifa and a swim!

More on Tarifa Inside Out and Round About

About Zoë
and her guesthouse

Zoë
is the owner of Guesthouse Dar Cilla which is unique of its sort in Tarifa.
It is located on the outskirts of the old town within the old 12th century walls.
'Dar' is an Arabic word for a town house in which a series of suites are grouped
around a central courtyard. Each suite is fully independent, but there is a
pleasant air of 'sociability' and you will meet Zoë and fellow guests on
the roof terrace over a glass of wine.

While
every effort is made to check the accuracy of information contained
on this website, Tarifa Holidays cannot
accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor for the authenticity
of any claims or statements made by third parties.
We therefore strongly recommend that readers make their own thorough
checks before entering into any kind of transaction.